Minneapolis Zoning Chapter 535 limits fences to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet 6 inches in side and rear yards, with corner-lot sight-triangle rules. Taller fences need Board of Adjustment approval.
Under Minneapolis Zoning Code Chapter 535 (Regulations of General Applicability) and Chapter 541, residential fences in R1 through R6 districts may be built to a maximum of 4 feet in the required front yard and 6 feet 6 inches in side and rear yards, measured from the adjacent finished grade. Corner lots must preserve a 30-foot sight triangle at the intersection where fences and hedges cannot exceed 3 feet high. Agricultural-style wire fences along side and rear lot lines are permitted. Commercial, industrial, and institutional districts can build to 8 feet for screening and to 10 feet for outdoor storage with solid screening. Fences above these standard heights require a variance from the Board of Adjustment or a conditional use permit. Historic districts and landmark properties administered by the Heritage Preservation Commission may require design review before any fence is built or replaced. Electric fences are prohibited in residential zones. Barbed wire is allowed only in industrial districts and at least 6 feet above grade.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Minneapolis code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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